CANCELED: Smoke Signals are Subjective: Communicating Effectively with Native American Cases
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SESSION INFO

Tuesday, August 24, 2021
1:30PM - 3:00PM
Session Type: Workshop
Effective communication provides humans with the ability to connect to others and their environments. Individuals communicate as a means to obtain their wants and needs. Communication is a two-way process involving a sender and receiver. Both parties should make the effort to understand one another. Gaining this understanding enhances communication and strengthens relationships. What does our communication style say about us and to others? In the training, officers will self-assess their communication style as well as gain knowledge on how to adapt their communication style when working with Native American cases. Officers will understand the importance of developing and maintaining trust with Native American cases. The training will address barriers to communication as well as creating a plan to overcome them. Through interactive activities, officers will broaden their ability to have clear, purposeful, and effective communication with Native American cases.

SESSION PRESENTERS
Alonzo Nez
US Probation Officer, US Probation Office - UT


Alonzo Nez has been a U.S. Probation Officer for 18 years. Presently, he is an officer in the District of Utah. He has served as the Juvenile Specialist in the District of New Mexico where he was the team leader for the juvenile unit. He collaborated with federal, local/state agencies, and Native American tribes in developing resolutions to juvenile issues. The juvenile team was awarded the Eagle Award for their work on juvenile issues. Alonzo was a Criminal Justice instructor at the University of New Mexico-Gallup campus. He has conducted trainings for: AMIKids; Districts of Montana; New Mexico; Arizona, Utah; Colorado, and Native American tribes; the National Indian Nations Justice for Victims of Crime. He is the Team Coach for the D/Utah STARR team. Alonzo has a Masters in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. Alonzo and his wife Sharon are parents to five children. He is a strong believer in positive thinking and mentoring/training officers to live a balanced life. When not in the office, he spends time traveling, spending time with his family and is an avid fan of independent films. He is a Life Coach and currently working on completing his certification in positive psychology.

Hugh D. Watt, LCSW
US Probation Officer, US Probation Office - UT